Coming up in Cowichan: Arts, charity and health events heading to Valley

Warmland Women’s Support Services is offering “Honouring Resistance — Transformation Through Movement”, a series of body-centered trauma recovery and violence prevention programs open to all self-identified women age 15-plus who have experienced the impact of sexism, oppression, harassment, sexual objectification, abuse and/or violence.

“In this #metoo era the Cowichan Valley is moving away from a rape culture to a culture of affirmative consent,” said Kendra Thomas, program coordinator.

Transformational movement with skilled facilitators teaches women how to regain ownership and love of their bodies to heal from abuse or for violence prevention. Mindfulness practices encourage self-awareness, confidence and calm. Programs include yoga, tai chi gong, 5Rhythms dance and wenlido self-defense training. In a fun, supportive atmospheres women will learn gentle exercises highly effective for stress, discover possibilities that are deeply restorative, connect with the natural intelligence that lives in our body, as well as simple effective self-defense moves.

Beginner level programs run from mid-Sept. to end of March and are free.

“We are so grateful to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General for recognizing the value of holistic, trauma-informed responses to sexualized violence and for funding all of these programs,” said Thomas. “This is a great project for women in the Cowichan Valley and for men as well, because an effective response to men’s use of violence towards women also benefits husbands, sons, brothers and nephews.”

Sexual assault advocates will be available during programs. Educational workshops and emotional support during the programs are offered through a free drop-in therapeutic art group Saturday mornings 9:30-11:30 a.m. Contact Kendra Thomas for registration details at 250-710-8177, kthomas@warmlandwomen.org

Mooman Charity Golf Tourney comes to Arbutus Ridge

On Sunday, Sept. 16, the Mooman Charity Golf Tournament will be held at the Arbutus Ridge Golf Course in Cobble Hill.

For $135 per person, participants can expect 18 holes of golf, a power cart, and a tee gift. Golfers will also enjoy a prime rib lunch, fabulous prizes, and various awards.

All proceeds from the tournament will support patient services programs provided by the ALS Society of BC.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a rapidly progressive, neuromuscular disease. It attacks the motor neurons that transmit electrical impulses from the brain to the voluntary muscles in the body. When they fail to receive messages, the muscles lose strength, atrophy and die. ALS can strike anyone at any time, regardless of age, gender, or ethnic origin. It does not affect the senses, and only rarely does it affect the mind.

The ALS Society of BC raises funds for research, and to provide direct support to ALS patients, and their families and caregivers.

To register, or for more information, contact Tom Johner at 250-880-0684 or 250-474-4083, or email ltjohner@shaw.ca

It’s not your typical author reading at Cedricks

The event at Cedrick’s Coffee House in Crofton on Sunday, Sept. 16 will be everything but your typical author reading.

“Soul informs me that it’s time for me to step up my game,” author Patricia Hetherington says, describing her inspiration. “Morph the standard author reading into something more than the predictable lectern, big bouquet and the author miles away from the audience. Soul wants me to connect in a new way, which she’s been nudging me to do for the past three months since we booked these dates.”

So she’s added some “juice”.

During this “Performance Arts” afternoon, Hetherington will be reading from her new memoir Under the Covers: Alife of Gumption, Passion, Gifts and Secrets, which has been nominated for the 2018 Whistler Independent Book Awards.

But with her on the day will be Michael Clarke, playwright, actor and musician, who plays guitar and saxophone and sings soul and pop.

Rounding out the trio will be
Will Millar or the Irish Rovers who will be opening his art exhibit.

It all starts at 12:30 p.m., running until 2:30 p.m. Cedrick’s is located at 1610 Joan Ave. Admission is by donation to the Kids International Development Society. To save a seat, call 250-746-1064.

Public talk on mindfulness for stress and pain relief with Heather Ferris

Local Cowichan Valley author and clinical counsellor Heather Ferris is offering her time to bring mindfulness practice to all citizens because of its proven effectiveness in dealing with stress and pain (including anxiety and depression).

She will be giving a public talk about mindfulness-based healing support for pain, stress, anxiety and/or depression on Monday, Sept. 17, from 6.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Duncan United Church.

This presentation is being given in partnership with the Social Justice Team at Duncan United Church, and is open to all community members to bring attention to the value of mindfulness practice in easing suffering. This will be a chance to learn more and ask questions to help you start your own practice. It will be followed by an opportunity to participate in a six week course (six two-hour weekly sessions) beginning 6.30 p.m., Sept. 25 to Oct. 30, by donation, with funds received going towards Duncan United Church initiatives addressing homelessness in the Cowichan Valley.

“Mindfulness practice is an ancient, well researched, very useful approach in dealing with life, including pain, stress, anxiety and depression, as it helps us develop deeper awareness of our inner resilience and our habitual responses that sometimes lead to suffering,” says a press release for the event. “The practice allows us to become fully present in our lives: body, speech and minds.”

Rotary Club of Duncan hosting Oktoberfest Celebration Sept. 22

The Rotary Club of Duncan is inviting everyone to an Oktoberfest Celebration Saturday, Sept. 22.

The event will take place at Mellor Hall at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds just outside of Duncan. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the ticket price is $30 per person.

For the entry cost you’ll get to enjoy music by Vancouver band Rheinlander, tasty German food, and your first glass of beer or wine.